System and method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from a gas stream

ABSTRACT

A method for continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules (“gas molecules”) from a gas stream includes selecting a liquid having an affinity for the gas molecules to be removed, and providing the selected liquid to each of a first and second mat, each mat formed from a plurality of fibers having the ability to retain the selected liquid within longitudinally extending channels having longitudinally extending openings against moving into the space between the individual fibers, the mats in fluid communication therebetween with the selected liquid. The method includes directing the gas stream through a portion of the first mat into contact with the selected liquid along the longitudinally extending openings whereby the selected liquid absorbs the gas molecules, and directing a second gas through a portion of the second mat so that the gas molecules, absorbed by and disbursed throughout the selected liquid, are stripped and carried away.

BACKGROUND

The application relates generally to removing a particular type of gasmolecules from a gas stream. The application relates more specificallyto continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from a gasstream.

Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (“HVAC&R”) aretypically the largest contributor to an energy budget of buildings andone of the largest loads on the entire electrical grid, especiallyduring peak hours. Conditioning outside air is particularly expensive inlocations with extreme temperature and humidity. One method to reducepower requirements would be to reduce the latent load on the ventilationsystem. Latent load results from thermal energy released when moisturein the air is transformed from a vapor to a liquid state. Satisfying thelatent load by removing moisture from the ventilated air through moreefficient methodology saves energy. In hot humid climates, coolingequipment must have sufficient capacity to handle this design (worstcase) load if occupants are to be comfortable. Satisfying the latentload by more efficient methods allows smaller equipment to satisfy thesame load, reducing initial equipment cost as well as operating cost.

Another method to reduce energy is to lower the amount of ventilationair that is required. This can be done by cleaning the indoor air ofcarbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) rather thanrelying on the dilution of these contaminants by the outside ventilationair.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for reducing expenses associatedwith HVAC&R ventilation systems.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a system forcontinuously removing a predetermined type of gas molecules from a firstair stream and releasing the predetermined type of gas molecules into asecond air stream, the system comprising a first plurality of fibers anda second plurality of fibers each including a longitudinally extendingchannel with a longitudinally extending opening. The system furtherincludes a liquid having an affinity for the predetermined type of gasmolecules disposed within the channels of the first plurality of fibersand the second plurality of fibers and a device for directing the firstair stream across at least a part of the first plurality of fibers intocontact with the liquid along the longitudinally extending openingswhereby the liquid absorbs the predetermined type of gas molecules. Thesystem further includes the first plurality of fibers extending from thefirst air stream to a collector selectably independent of the first airstream, selectably independent of the second air stream, or selectablyindependent of the first air stream and the second air stream. Thesystem further includes the second plurality of fibers extending fromthe second air stream to the collector, the first plurality of fibersand the second plurality of fibers in fluid communication therebetweenwith the liquid in the collector, the second air stream stripping andcarrying away the predetermined type of gas molecules. The system mayselectably provide for a reversed flow direction of the predeterminedtype of gas molecules for continuously removing the predetermined typeof gas molecules from the second air stream and releasing thepredetermined type of gas molecules into the first air stream. Further,power to operate the system may be at least primarily generated by arenewable energy source, a previously unutilized energy source, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the renewable energy source mayinclude solar energy, and the previously unutilized energy source may begenerated by condenser coils of an HVAC&R unit during a cooling mode.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a filtrationdevice for removing a particular type of vapor molecules from a firstair stream including a first housing having a first chamber and a secondhousing having a second chamber. A first air flow path is providedthrough the first chamber of the first housing for the first air streamand a second air flow path through the second chamber of the secondhousing for a second air stream. A first fibrous material is providedhaving a plurality of strands which are positioned in the first chamberto intercept the first air flow path and which extends to a collectorselectably independent of the first air flow path, selectablyindependent of the second air flow path or selectably independent of thefirst air flow path and the second air flow path. A second fibrousmaterial is provided having a plurality of strands which are positionedin the second chamber to intercept the second air flow path and whichextends to the collector, the plurality of strands of the first fibrousmaterial and the second fibrous material in fluid communicationtherebetween with the liquid in the collector. The plurality of strandsof each of the first fibrous material and the second fibrous materialare provided having a hollow internal region connected to an outersurface through at least one longitudinally extending opening. A liquidis provided for absorbing the particular type of airborne vapormolecules, the liquid disposed in the hollow internal regions of theplurality of strands of the first fibrous material and communicatingthrough the longitudinally extending openings in the plurality ofstrands with the first air stream following the first air flow paththrough the first chamber. The liquid is provided for absorbing theparticular type of airborne vapor molecules, the liquid disposed in thehollow internal regions of the plurality of strands of the secondfibrous material and communicating through the longitudinally extendingopenings in the plurality of strands with the second air streamfollowing the second air flow path through the second chamber. A deviceis provided for directing the first air stream into contact with thefirst airborne vapor absorbing liquid along the longitudinally extendingopenings whereby the airborne vapor absorbing liquid absorbs theparticular type of vapor molecules through the longitudinally extendingopenings. The second air stream is directed through the second chamberof the second housing to pass through the portion of the second fibrousmaterial positioned in the second chamber to strip vapor moleculesabsorbed by the airborne vapor absorbing liquid.

A further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a methodfor continuously removing a particular type of gas molecules from afirst gas stream comprising the steps of selecting a liquid which has anaffinity for the particular type of gas molecules to be removed. Themethod further includes providing the selected liquid to each of a firstmat and a second mat, each mat formed from a plurality of fibers whichhave the ability to retain the selected liquid within longitudinallyextending channels having longitudinally extending openings againstmoving into the space between the individual fibers, the first mat andthe second mat in fluid communication therebetween with the selectedliquid. The method further includes directing the first gas streamthrough a portion of the first mat into contact with the selected liquidalong the longitudinally extending openings whereby the selected liquidabsorbs the particular type of gas molecules. The method furtherincludes directing a second gas stream through a portion of the secondmat so that the particular type of gas molecules, which have beenabsorbed by and disbursed throughout the selected liquid, are strippedand carried away.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment for a heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC&R) system.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a compressor unit of an HVAC&Rsystem.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an HVAC&Rsystem.

FIGS. 4-6 show different orthogonal views of an exemplary ventilationsystem.

FIGS. 7-9 and 9A show different orthogonal views of an exemplaryventilation system.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show exemplary embodiments of collectors formaintaining fiber mats in fluid communication.

FIGS. 11-13 show different orthogonal views of an exemplary ventilationsystem.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary ventilation system.

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged region of FIG. 14 further showing an exemplaryregeneration device.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary ventilation system.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fiber of a fiber mat.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fiber of a fiber mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment for an HVAC&R system 10 in abuilding 12 for a typical commercial setting. System 10 may include acompressor (not shown) incorporated into a chiller 16 that can supply achilled liquid that may be used to cool building 12. In one embodiment,compressor 38 may be a screw compressor 38 (see for example, FIG. 2). Inother embodiments compressor 38 may be a centrifugal compressor, scrollcompressor, or reciprocal compressor (not shown). System 10 includes anair distribution system 14 that circulates air through building 12. Theair distribution system 14 can include ducts for directing outside air19, exhaust air 21, return air 20, and supply air 17. The airdistribution system 14 also includes an air handler 22. Air handler 22can include a heat exchanger (not shown) that is connected to a boiler(not shown) and chiller 16 by conduits or chilled water pipes 24. Airhandler 22 may receive either heated liquid from the boiler or chilledliquid from chiller 16, depending on the mode of operation of HVAC&Rsystem 10. HVAC&R system 10 is shown with a separate air handler on eachfloor of building 12, but it will be appreciated that these componentsmay be shared between or among floors. In another embodiment, the system10 may include an air-cooled chiller that employs an air-cooled coil asa condenser. An air-cooled chiller may be located on the exterior of thebuilding—for example, adjacent to or on the roof of the building.Another embodiment is a packaged roof top unit (“RTU”) that combines anair cooled chiller and an air handler.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a screw compressor in a packagedunit for use with chiller 16. The packaged unit includes a screwcompressor 38, a motor 43 to drive screw compressor 38, a control panel50 to provide control instructions to equipment included in the packagedunit, such as motor 43. An oil separator 46 can be provided to removeentrained oil (used to lubricate the rotors of screw compressor 38) fromthe discharge vapor before providing the discharge vapor to its intendedapplication.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary HVAC&R or liquid chiller system 10, whichincludes compressor 38, condenser 26, water chiller or evaporator 42,and a control panel 50. Control panel 50 may include a microprocessor70, an interface board 72, an analog-to-digital (A to D) converter 74,and/or a non-volatile memory 76. Control panel 50 may be positioned ordisposed locally and/or remotely to system 10. Control panel 50 receivesinput signals from system 10. For example, temperature and pressuremeasurements may indicate the performance of system 10. The signals maybe transmitted to components of system 10, for example, a compressorcapacity control signal, to control the operation of system 10.Conventional liquid chiller or HVAC&R system 10 may include otherfeatures that are not shown in FIG. 3 and have been purposely omitted tosimplify the drawing for ease of illustration. While the followingdescription of system 10 is in terms of a liquid chiller system, it isto be understood that the invention could be applied to anyrefrigeration system or any HVAC&R system.

Compressor 38 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor tocondenser 26 through a discharge pipe 68. Compressor 38 may be anysuitable type of compressor including screw compressor, reciprocatingcompressor, scroll compressor, rotary compressor or other type ofcompressor. System 10 may have more than one compressor 38 connected inone or more refrigerant circuits.

Refrigerant vapor delivered to condenser 26 enters into a heat exchangerelationship with a fluid, for example, air or water, and undergoes aphase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchangerelationship with the fluid. The condensed liquid refrigerant fromcondenser 26 flows to evaporator 42. Refrigerant vapor in condenser 26enters into the heat exchange relationship with water, flowing through aheat exchanger coil 52 connected to a cooling tower 54. Alternatively,the refrigerant vapor is condensed in a coil with heat exchangerelationship with air blowing across the coil. The refrigerant vapor incondenser 26 undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as aresult of the heat exchange relationship with the water or air in heatexchanger coil 52.

Evaporator 42 may include a heat exchanger coil 62 having a supply line56 and a return line 58 connected to a cooling load 60. Heat exchangercoil 62 can include a plurality of tube bundles within evaporator 42. Asecondary liquid, for example, water, ethylene, calcium chloride brine,sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable secondary liquid travelsinto evaporator 42 via return line 58 and exits evaporator 42 via supplyline 56. The liquid refrigerant in evaporator 42 enters into a heatexchange relationship with the secondary liquid in heat exchanger coil62 to chill the temperature of the secondary liquid in heat exchangercoil 62. The refrigerant liquid in evaporator 42 undergoes a phasechange to a refrigerant vapor as a result of the heat exchangerelationship with the secondary liquid in heat exchanger coil 62. Thevapor refrigerant in evaporator 42 exits evaporator 42 and returns tocompressor 38 by a suction line to complete the cycle. While system 10has been described in terms of condenser 26 and evaporator 42, anysuitable configuration of condenser 26 and evaporator 42 can be used insystem 10, provided that the appropriate phase change of the refrigerantin condenser 26 and evaporator 42 is obtained.

In one embodiment, chiller system capacity may be controlled byadjusting the speed of a compressor motor driving compressor 38, using avariable speed drive (VSD).

It is appreciated that HVAC&R systems can also include conventional heatpumps, which are not further discussed herein.

To drive compressor 38, system 10 includes a motor or drive mechanism 66for compressor 38. While the term “motor” is used with respect to thedrive mechanism for compressor 38, the term “motor” is not limited to amotor, but may encompass any component that may be used in conjunctionwith the driving of compressor 38, such as a variable speed drive and amotor starter. Motor or drive mechanism 66 may be an electric motor andassociated components. Other drive mechanisms, such as steam or gasturbines or engines and associated components may be used to drivecompressor 38.

The control panel executes a control system that uses a controlalgorithm or multiple control algorithms or software to controloperation of system 10 and to determine and implement an operatingconfiguration for the inverters of a VSD (not shown) to control thecapacity of compressor 38 or multiple compressors in response to aparticular output capacity requirement for system 10. The controlalgorithm or multiple control algorithms may be computer programs orsoftware stored in non-volatile memory 76 of control panel 50 and mayinclude a series of instructions executable by microprocessor 70. Thecontrol algorithm may be embodied in a computer program or multiplecomputer programs and may be executed by microprocessor 70, the controlalgorithm may be implemented and executed using digital and/or analoghardware (not shown). If hardware is used to execute the controlalgorithm, the corresponding configuration of control panel 50 may bechanged to incorporate the necessary components and to remove anycomponents that may no longer be required.

Chiller system 10, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes compressor 38 influid communication with an oil separator 46. An oil and refrigerant gasmixture travels along discharge pipe 64 from compressor 38 to oilseparator 46. Compressor 38 is in fluid communication with oil separator46 via oil return line 109. Condenser 26 is provided in fluidcommunication with oil separator 46, and refrigerant gas travels fromoil separator 46 to condenser 26. At condenser 26, refrigerant gas iscooled and condensed into a refrigerant liquid, which is in turntransmitted to evaporator 42 through expansion valve 61. At evaporator42, heat transfer takes place between the refrigerant liquid and asecond fluid that is cooled to provide desired refrigeration. Therefrigerant liquid in evaporator 42 is converted into a refrigerant gasby absorbing heat from the chilled liquid and returns to compressor 38.This refrigeration cycle continues when the chiller system is inoperation.

FIGS. 4-6 show an exemplary embodiment of a self contained coolingsystem with ventilation system 80 for an HVAC&R system 10 (FIG. 1).Ventilation system 80 includes a structure commonly referred to as anair handler or rooftop air handling unit or a packaged rooftop unit 30,which typically is positioned on an upper surface of building 12(FIG. 1) having its temperature maintained by the HVAC&R system. Asfurther shown in FIGS. 4-6, rooftop unit 30 receives outside air 82, andreturn air 84 from a return air opening 85. A portion of return air 84is mixed together with the outside air 82 forming mixed air 86 that isfiltered by filter 81 and brought into thermal contact with coolingcoils 88 for reducing the temperature and the amount of water vaporentrained in mixed air 86, becoming supply air 90. Supply air 90 is thenpushed by a fan 89 through an opening 94 into building 12 (FIG. 1). Aportion of return air 84 is pushed by a fan 83 through an opening 78,becoming exhaust air 87.

As further shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, rooftop unit 30 (FIG. 4) includescondenser 26 having fans 27 for drawing outside air 82 into thermal heatexchange with condenser coils 28 for cooling refrigerant flowing throughcondenser coils 28, discharging heated air 92.

FIGS. 7-9 show a ventilation system 180 that operates in a mannersimilar to that of ventilation system 80. Ventilation system 180 alsoincludes a filtration device or gas removal system 181 that includes apair of pre-dehumidifier fiber banks or mats 102 positioned upstream ofcooling coils 88 for removing water vapor molecules from mixed air 86,releasing the water vapor molecules in a pair of regeneration fiberbanks or mats 110, and then stripping the water vapor molecules fromfiber mats 110. In another embodiment of the gas removal system, thenumber of mats 102, 110 may be different than two (a pair).

As shown in FIG. 17, fiber mats 102, 110 (FIGS. 7, 9) are formed offibers 182 containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid 183 having anaffinity for the particular airborne gases of interest. This liquid ispositioned or disposed within internal cavities or channels 184 formedin the individual fibers 182. Liquid 183 selected uses absorption ratherthan adsorption as its mechanism to dehumidify the air stream. In oneembodiment, liquid carrier or liquid 183 may be utilized todecontaminate or purify the air stream. The absorption liquids 183 usedare selected to absorb the vapors of interest, to be non-hazardous andto neutralize specific gases and odor vapors. To assist in thisabsorption, additives can be used in conjunction with liquid 183 inorder to facilitate absorption of particular gases, e.g., lithiumchloride or calcium chloride for water vapor removal or an amine, suchas monoethanolamine (MEA) for removal of carbon dioxide vapor or otherorganic compound vapor. It is well known to those skilled in the artthat the possible combinations of liquid carriers is virtuallyunlimited. The selected liquid carrier or absorption liquid should becapable of lightly absorbing a particular gas molecule in a reversiblemanner so that the particular gas molecule can be easily removed orstripped off. In certain instances, it may be desirable to add watervapor molecules to the outside air provided for ventilation of abuilding.

A fiber which is particularly suitable for practicing this invention isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,368, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety. This patent discloses a trilobal or quadrilobal fiberformed from thermoplastic polymers wherein the fiber has a cross-sectionwith a central core and three or four T-shaped lobes 185 (FIG. 17). Inother embodiments, the number of lobes may be less three or more thanfour. The legs of the lobes intersect at the core so that the anglebetween the legs of adjacent lobes is from about 80 degrees to about 130degrees. The thermoplastic polymer is typically a nylon, a polyester, apolyolefin or a combination thereof. Fiber 182 as illustrated in FIG. 17is formed as an extruded strand having three hollow interiorlongitudinally extending cavities or openings or channels 184 each ofwhich communicates with the outer or external strand surface by way oflongitudinal extending slots or openings 186. In one embodiment, fiber182 resembles a “C”, i.e., absent a central core, with one cavity orchannel 184 and one longitudinal extending slot or opening 186. Thefibers 182 are relatively small, having a diameter of about 30 to about250 microns. The capillary forces within the individual cavities orchannels 184 are so much greater than those external to the fiber 182that the absorptive liquid is readily retained within the interior ofthe fiber 182 without appreciable wetting of the external surfaces 187or filling the inter fiber voids. The fibers 182 strongly retain theliquid through capillary action so that each fiber mat 102, 110 (FIG. 7)is not wet to the touch and the liquid will not shake off. In fiber mat102, 110 of such fibers 182, the area between the individual strandsremains relatively free of the gas absorbing liquid with which theinternal cavities or channels 184 of each fiber 182 are filled. Thefiber element may be made of one or more types of material strands suchas nylon, polyester, or polyolefins. The three T-shaped cross-sectionsegments may have their outer surface 187 curved, as shown in FIG. 17,or straight. In addition, other external or internal fibers withC-shaped or other cross sections may also be suitable for the gasabsorbing liquid.

For example, FIG. 18 shows an enlarged view of a C-shaped fiber 182 witha channel 184 and a longitudinal extending slot or opening 186. The sizeof the opening 186 relative to the circumference of the fiber 182 is notcritical, provided the selected fibers have the desired properties. Thespecific shape of the fibers is not important so long as the fibersselected can hold the absorption liquid to its surface so that it is noteasily displaced.

FIGS. 7-9 show a continuous gas molecule capturing and removal system181 according to the present disclosure. Gas removal system 181 utilizesfilter elements or filter mats 102, 110 formed from numerous fibers 182,as shown in FIG. 17, containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid 183.Filter element or filter mat 102 extends from an air stream to becleaned (mixed air 86) in a chamber 96 of rooftop unit 30 via conduits104 into another air stream in a chamber 98 of condenser 26 (fromoutside air 82, becoming heated air 92′ after flowing through filter mat110 in condenser 26) which can strip and remove some of the previouslydiscussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid. In oneembodiment, filter elements or filter mats 102, 110 may includedifferent gas molecule absorbing liquid 183 such that filter mats 102,110 may be capable of absorbing a plurality of different gas molecules.In another embodiment, multiple filter elements or filter mats 102, 110may each include different gas molecule absorbing liquids, withrespective filter mats positioned in close proximity with each other. Inone embodiment, filter mats 102, 110 can be positioned in respectivechambers remotely relative to one another, which is possible through theuse of conduits 104.

For purposes herein, the terms filter element, filter mat, fiber mat,fiber bank, filtering fiber bank, filtering fiber mat and the like maybe used interchangeably.

Many common materials which are effective agents may restrictcirculation of air through the material. For example, wetting a commontowel with water essentially seals the material against air flowtherethrough. By using fibers, such as shown in FIG. 17, where the gasabsorbing liquid is maintained within the cavities or channels 184 offiber 182, unrestricted air flow about the outside of the individualfibers 182 is maintained.

As further shown in FIGS. 7-9, the disclosed gas removal system 181includes a gas removal or absorption chamber 96 and a stripping chamber98 formed within rooftop unit 30. The filter element or filter mat 102,110 consists of numerous fibers 182 (FIG. 17) disposed or positionedgenerally parallel and oriented to extend within both chambers 96, 98.As shown in FIGS. 7-9, rooftop unit 30 includes a housing 32 associatedwith the absorption chamber 96 and a housing 34 associated withstripping chamber 98, such that housing 32 and absorption chamber 96 areseparate from respective stripping chamber 98 and housing 34. As shownin FIGS. 10A, 10B, 100, conduits 104 extend between and are maintainedin fluid communication with fiber mats 102 and fiber mats 110 by virtueof exemplary embodiments of a collector 106, as will be discussed infurther detail below. The air stream to be cleaned enters chamber 96 andis directed through at least a portion of filtering fiber mats 102 whichare disposed across chamber 96. Preferably, all air flowing throughchamber 96 flows through the mesh of fibers 182 (FIG. 17) of fiber mats102. Many fibers 182 of the mesh of fibers of fiber mats 102 (and fibermats 110) are impregnated with gas molecule absorbing liquid 183 (FIG.17), the fibers 182 having sufficient thickness so that the entire airstream flowing through chamber 96 comes into intimate contact with theselected liquid within the cavities or channels 184 of the fibers 182.The selected liquid 183, which has an affinity for the particular gasmolecules, absorbs the gas molecules and thus, removes the gas moleculesfrom the air stream through chamber 96.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, conduit 104 extendsbetween respective fiber mats 102 and 110. Conduit 104 can directlyextend from one of fiber mats 102 or 110, or alternately, can indirectlyextend from one or both of fiber mats 102 and 110. The term “directlyextend” is intended to include arrangements in which one of the fibermats and the conduit are of unitary construction. The term “indirectlyextend” is intended to include arrangements in which the fiber mats andthe conduit are separated relative to one another. For example, FIG. 10Ashows an end of conduit 104 opposite fiber mat 110, which conduit 104may or may not directly extend from fiber mat 110, with the end ofconduit 104 positioned in a collector 106 containing the transportliquid 108. A portion of fiber mat 102 is positioned in transport liquid108 of collector 106. In this arrangement, conduit 104 is in fluidcommunication with fiber mat 102 via transport liquid 108. Transportliquid 108 similarly has an affinity for the particular gas molecules ofselected liquid 183. However, by virtue of liquid 108 maintaining fluidcommunication between conduit 104 and fiber mat 102, thermal conductionthat would normally occur between conduit 104 and filter mat 102 ifconduit 104 and fiber mat 102 were directly connected, i.e., of onepiece or unitary construction, is prevented, thereby minimizing thermaltransfer through the fiber. Such thermal transfer would add heat fromthe regeneration process to the supply air that is being cooled. In oneembodiment, conduit 104 includes an outer cover which ensures the fiberscontained therein remain at least substantially submersed in selectedliquid 183, transport liquid 108 or a combination thereof. For purposesherein, transfer liquid or liquid or liquid 108 and gas moleculeabsorbing liquid 183 may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 10B shows ends of conduit 104 opposite fiber mats 102, 110, whichconduits 104 may or may not directly extend from respective fiber mats102, 110, with the ends of conduit 104 positioned in a collector 106containing the transport liquid 108. A portion of fiber mat 102 ispositioned in transport liquid 108 of collector 106. In thisarrangement, conduit 104 is in fluid communication with at least one offiber mats 102, 110 via transport liquid 108. In another embodiment, aplurality of conduits 104 may be interconnected in a manner as shown inFIG. 10B.

FIG. 10C shows an end of conduit 104 opposite fiber mat 102, whichconduit 104 may or may not directly extend from fiber mat 102, with theend of conduit 104 positioned in a collector 106 containing thetransport liquid 108. A portion of fiber mat 110 is positioned intransport liquid 108 of collector 106. In this arrangement, conduit 104is in fluid communication with fiber mat 110 via transport liquid 108.Transport liquid 108 similarly has an affinity for the particular gasmolecules of selected liquid 183.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9 and FIGS. 10A, 10B and 100, collector 106containing transfer liquid 108 can be located at any position betweenfiber mats 102, 110, including being positioned at least partiallyinside of housing 32 of absorption chamber 96, being positioned at leastpartially inside of housing 34 of stripping chamber 98, or beingpositioned between housing 32 of absorption chamber 96 and housing 34 ofstripping chamber 98. As a result of the broad range of positions of thecollector and transport liquid relative to fiber mats 102, 110associated with respective absorption chamber 96 and stripping chamber98, any combination of connections of fibers 182 (FIG. 17) of fiber mats102, 110 and collector 106 is deemed to be selectably independent of theair stream to be cleaned from chamber 96 (mixed air 86; FIG. 7) tocollector 106, selectably independent of the stripping air stream ofchamber 98 (from outside air 82, becoming heated air 92′ after flowingthrough filter mat 110 in condenser 26; FIG. 7), or selectablyindependent of each of the air streams.

FIGS. 7-9 show a continuous gas molecule capturing and removal system181 according to the present disclosure. Gas removal system 181 utilizesfilter elements or filter mats 102, 110 formed from numerous fibers 182,as shown in FIG. 17, containing a gas molecule absorbing liquid 183.Filter element or filter mat 102 extends from an air stream to becleaned (mixed air 86) in a chamber 96 of rooftop unit 30 via conduits104 into another air stream in a chamber 98 of condenser 26 (fromoutside air 82, becoming heated air 92′ after flowing through filter mat110 in condenser 26) which can strip and remove some of the previouslydiscussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid.

FIGS. 11-13 show a ventilation system 280 that operates in a mannersimilar to that of ventilation system 180. Gas removal system 281utilizes filter elements or filter mats 202, 288 formed from numerousfibers 182, as shown in FIG. 17, each containing gas molecule absorbingliquid 183. As further shown in FIGS. 11-13, filter elements or filtermats 202, 288 are alternately arranged in close proximity in chamber 96,although other arrangements may be used. Filter elements or filter mats202, 288 each extend from an air stream to be cleaned (mixed air 86) ina chamber 96 of rooftop unit 30 via conduits 204 to corresponding filtermats 210, 212 positioned in another air stream in a chamber 98 ofcondenser 26. As a result, outside air 82, becoming heated air 92″ afterflowing through condenser coils 128 and corresponding filter mats 210,212 in condenser 26, can strip and remove some of the previouslydiscussed particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid.

Returning to FIGS. 7-9 the fibers, containing the liquid with theabsorbed particular gas molecules, extend into a stripping chamber 98wherein an air stream passes over the fibers 182 (FIG. 17) and stripsaway and carries to an exhaust the particular gas molecules. Aconcentration factor-induced molecular migration effectively conveys theparticular gas molecules within the liquid from the air stream to becleaned within chamber 96 into the stripping air stream through chamber98. The stripping air stream may be heated or otherwise modified ortreated to facilitate removal of the particular gas molecules. The sizeof chambers 96 and 98 and the flow rates of the air streams can bedesigned to suit a particular application. The selected liquid acts as ashuttling carrier capable of transporting gases from fiber mat 102 inchamber 96, then through conduit 104 to fiber mat 110 in the strippingchamber 98.

In one embodiment, as shown in ventilation system 580 of FIG. 9A,condenser coils 28 can be arranged (i.e., split) such that correspondingfiber mats 110 are positioned between adjacent portions of condensercoils 28. As a result of the regeneration process (stripping and removalof particular gas molecules from the absorbing liquid in the fibers offiber mats 110), the air stream passing over the fibers is cooled,improving efficiency of condenser 26 and the HVAC&R system.

The method of operation and the apparatus of this disclosure should nowbe clear. Particular airborne material, possibly including gascontaminants, are removed from an air stream by interposing a pluralityof at least partially hollow fibers 182 in the air stream. The hollowportions or channels 184 of the fibers contain a liquid, including acomponent having an affinity for the particular material or gas, whichcommunicates with the air stream through an opening 186. The particularmaterial or gas is absorbed by the liquid within the fibers 182. Theparticular material or gas in solution within the liquid is thenconveyed from the cleaned air stream by a concentration factor-inducedmolecular migration into an exhaust or stripping air stream which stripsand carries away the particular material or gas molecules.

As shown in FIGS. 14-15, a ventilation system 380 operates in a mannersimilar to that of ventilation system 180, as previously discussed.However, ventilation system 380 utilizes a regeneration device or gasremoval system 381, such as a solar regeneration device 382 thatgenerates heat to a portion of fiber mat(s) 388 extending outwardly fromrooftop unit 30 to regenerate the fiber mats 388, resulting in aconcentration factor-induced molecular migration, for conveying theparticular gas molecules within the liquid from the air stream to becleaned, exterior of rooftop unit 30, which heating also facilitatesremoval of the particular gas molecules.

As shown in FIG. 16, a rooftop unit 430 receives outside air 82, andreturn air 84 from a return air opening 85. A portion of return air 84is mixed together with the outside air 82 forming mixed air 86 that isfiltered by filter 81 and brought into thermal contact with coolingcoils 88 for reducing the temperature and the amount of water vaporentrained in mixed air 86, becoming supply air 90. Supply air 90 is thenpushed by a fan 89 through an opening 94 into building 12 (FIG. 1). Aportion of return air 84 is pushed by a fan 83 through an opening 78,becoming exhaust air 87.

Rooftop unit 430 further includes a gas removal system or regenerationunit 481 which can be secured directly to or in close proximity torooftop unit 430, if desired. Regeneration unit 481 includes ade-humidifier fiber mat 482 in chamber 96 of rooftop unit 30 operablyconnected via a collector 106 to a regeneration fiber mat 484 ofregeneration unit 481. In one embodiment, fiber mat 482 and fiber mat484 can be of unitary (one-piece) construction. Regeneration unit 481receives outside air 82 that is filtered by particle filter 486, heatedby heater 488, and pushed via a fan 490 through a chamber 491,producingregenerated return air 492 in order to regenerate fiber mat 484.Collector 106 is in fluid communication between fiber mat(s) 482 andfiber mat(s) 484 that are selectably independent of the air streamflowing through chamber 96, selectably independent of the air streamflowing through chamber 491, or selectably independent of the air streamflowing through chamber 96 and chamber 491.

It is to be understood that the gas removal systems disclosed herein orare contemplated by the present disclosure may be added to most existingventilation systems of HVAC&R units.

While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, many modifications and changes may occur to thoseskilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures,shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters(e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use ofmaterials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in theclaims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may bevaried or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concisedescription of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actualimplementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to thepresently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or thoseunrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciatedthat in the development of any such actual implementation, as in anyengineering or design project, numerous implementation-specificdecisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex andtime consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking ofdesign, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill havingthe benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning(HVAC) system for continuously removing a predetermined type of gasmolecules from a first air stream and releasing the predetermined typeof gas molecules into a second air stream, the HVAC system comprising: afirst plurality of fibers and a second plurality of fibers disposedwithin the HVAC system, each comprising a longitudinally extendingchannel with a longitudinally extending opening, wherein the secondplurality of fibers is positioned downstream of condenser coils of theHVAC system relative to the second air stream, and wherein the condensercoils are configured to heat the second air stream before the second airstream is directed through the second plurality of fibers; a liquidhaving an affinity for the predetermined type of gas molecules disposedwithin the channels of the first plurality of fibers and the secondplurality of fibers; and a fan configured to direct the first air streamthrough the HVAC system and across at least a part of the firstplurality of fibers into contact with the liquid along thelongitudinally extending openings whereby the liquid is configured toabsorb the predetermined type of gas molecules; wherein the firstplurality of fibers is fluidly coupled with a collector configured tocollect the liquid, wherein the collector is separate from the first airstream, separate from the second air stream, or separate from the firstair stream and the second air stream; wherein the second plurality offibers is fluidly coupled with the collector, wherein the firstplurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers are in fluidcommunication therebetween with the liquid in the collector, and whereinthe second air stream is configured to strip and carry away thepredetermined type of gas molecules.
 2. The HVAC system of claim 1,wherein the HVAC system selectably provides for a reversed flowdirection of the predetermined type of gas molecules for continuouslyremoving the predetermined type of gas molecules from the second airstream and releasing the predetermined type of gas molecules into thefirst air stream.
 3. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC systemis configured to receive power from a renewable energy source, a wasteheat energy source of the HVAC system, or a combination thereof tocontinuously release the predetermined type of gas molecules into thesecond air stream.
 4. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the HVACsystem is configured to receive power from a renewable energy sourcecomprising solar energy to continuously release the predetermined typeof gas molecules into the second air stream.
 5. The HVAC system of claim1, wherein the HVAC system is configured to receive power from a wasteheat energy source that is generated by the condenser coils of the HVACsystem during a cooling mode of the HVAC system to continuously releasethe predetermined type of gas molecules into the second air stream. 6.The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined type of gasmolecules are selected from the group consisting of water vapor, carbondioxide, organic compounds, or a combination thereof.
 7. The HVAC systemof claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fibers and the secondplurality of fibers each comprise a plurality of strands.
 8. The HVACsystem of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fibers is disposed ina first chamber of a first housing and the second plurality of fibers isdisposed in a second chamber of a second housing.
 9. The HVAC system ofclaim 8, wherein the fan is a first fan configured to direct the firstair stream within the first chamber, and wherein the HVAC systemcomprises a second fan configured to direct the second air stream withinthe second chamber.
 10. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of fibers is positioned upstream of cooling coils of the HVACsystem relative to the first air stream, and wherein the cooling coilsand the condenser coils are part of a common refrigeration circuit. 11.The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fibers ispositioned upstream of a return air inlet of a packaged rooftop unit ofthe HVAC system.